With the Summer release schedule awash with unappealing blockbusters and unobtainable world cinema, we’re left with three small dramas to review for you this week. Understated Irish film “Run & Jump” has us singing the praises of one actor in particular, while Cal’s usual appreciation for Emily Blunt’s chemistry is challenged in “Arthur & Mike,” a chronicle of identity crisis which also stars Cal’s neighbour Colin Firth. It’s going to be a job for Pete to overcome the troubling preconceptions he has for Jon Favreau’s “Chef,” (including about the man himself) but will the film’s culinary delights and road trip format win us over? Meanwhile, there’s a ton of news, including two deaths, a controversial interview with a former Oscar nominee, and a discussion of the latest crop of cinematic “talent” invited to join AMPAS. Listen as we encounter digressions involving debut performances of the 1950s, the many virtues of Eric Stoltz, Barbra Streisand’s vanity, and a hysterical pitch for a sequel to a Juliette Binoche film.

The week’s news:

Cal watched “Calvary”

The death of Eli Wallach

The death of Paul Mazursky

Gary Oldman’s Playboy interview

AMPAS invites new members

[1:50 – 22:05]

Preconception Corner

Reviews of:

Run & Jump

Arthur & Mike

[29:30 – 50:10]

Closing Segment: Our take on Jon Favreau’s “Chef,” discussing films about food, and some other random asides!